2025 Independence Celebration
Thursday, July 3, 2025 - 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, July 4, 2025 - 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
*Saturday, July 5, 2025 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m
*Pickleball Tournament only at 8 a.m. / Carnival only at 12 p.m. / Entertainment at Bandshell begins at 3 p.m.
Sunday, July 6, 2025 - Carnival Only - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lions Legend Park
(Loomis Road & Drexel Avenue)
Family fun for all ages including great food, carnival rides, children's activities, music, fireworks, parade, and much more!
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Parades—Friday, July 4
Children’s Parade: No registration required. Decorated bikes, wagons, and strollers encouraged (no motorized vehicles allowed). Participants to gather at 9:45 am at the Franklin Police Department parking lot, 9455 W. Loomis Road, to enjoy a “Kids Are People Too!” interactive show with hula hoops and super soakers before the children’s parade begins at 10:30 am.
Main Independence Parade—Harold Bolstad, Grand Marshal: Begins at 11 am. Route: Begins at the corner of W. Forest Hill Avenue and W. Loomis Road, turns right onto W. Loomis Road to right onto W. Drexel Avenue, and then ends at Lions Legend Park. To participate, registration is required by June 15th to Ann Adamski at FranklinParade@gmail.com or 414-690-7340. VETERANS: ALL VETERANS are invited to ride the trolleys in the Franklin Independence Parade as we would like to say “Welcome Home” to all Veterans and honor the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war (no registration required for the Veterans). Veterans to meet/park at Forest Park Middle School, 8225 W. Forest Hill Avenue, by 10:15 am on July 4. There will be two trolleys to accommodate all. The trolleys will return back to Forest Park Middle School after the parade. Contact Ann Adamski, 414-690-7340, for questions or assistance.
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Ice Cream Social and Kids Activities:
After the parade, on City Hall’s north lawn, enjoy free chocolate or vanilla ice cream cups, free face painting and balloon art for kids under 16, take in a “Kids Are People Too!” show, and ride a camel for $10!
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Historical Area Building Tours & Special Dedication:
The historical area buildings will be open for tours for all to experience local history. On Saturday, July 5, at 4 pm, share in a special dedication ceremony in front of City Hall for a new handcrafted Benjamin Franklin plaque, the namesake of the City of Franklin.
Thursday, July 3: Performances by the Academy of Performing Arts youth singers, past Franklin Idol singers, and Kings of Radio classic 80’s rock band.
Friday, July 4: Afternoon performance by The 5 Card Studs rock and roll band followed by the region’s premier 2000’s band Smart Mouth in the evening.
Saturday, July 5: Enjoy an afternoon set by Pat McCurdy as he performs his guitar songs with charm and laughter at the Bandshell (bring a chair), then get fired up Saturday evening for the most popular area band, Bella Cain!
Join us at Franklin’s new pickleball courts in Lions Legend Park for our first-ever Pickleball Palooza on Saturday, July 5, from 8 am to 4 pm! This exciting day-long event will feature beginners instructionals, step-up clinics, a social tournament, and paddle workshop on how to customize your paddle and choose the right paddle for your playing style! Whether your brand new or a seasoned player, Pickleball Palooza has something for everyone! Registration required - See complete details and registration.
Dryvebox Golf Simulator: Play Closest to the Pin Challenge for $10 with 5 shots at Pebble Beach!
Brew City Wrestling: Watch live action in the wrestling ring Saturday night!
Carnival: Operating during all hours of the festival. Wristband hours, Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6, from Noon to 4 pm, offering unlimited rides for $25. Tickets and wristbands sold on-site on carnival grounds.
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FIREWORKS—Light the Night! Fantastic Fireworks will fascinate at 9:30 pm on Friday, July 4!
Sign-up to serve beverages in the beer tent (must be 21+) or sell tickets in an air-conditioned booth. Fill out the Volunteer Sign-Up Form and mail to the address on the form or scan/email it, or contact Angela Christie at 414-235-8180 to register.
Business and individual donations are greatly appreciated. Please complete/mail the Donation Support Form or email John Bergner or call 414-881-5863.
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More Information/General Festival Questions:
Contact John Bergner: 414-881-5863 / e-mail.